Motorcycle accident in Berchtesgaden: 36-year-old fights for his life!

Motorcycle accident in Berchtesgaden: 36-year-old fights for his life!

On Saturday evening, April 5, 2025, there was a serious motorcycle accident in Oberau, Bischofswiesen, Bavaria. A 36-year-old man from Bischofswiesen fell around 7 p.m. after he came off Auer Strasse in a curve and fell to the ground. The driver was initially unconscious when emergency services arrived.

The rescue workers deployed included an ambulance from Berchtesgaden as well as the Berchtesgaden emergency doctor and the Traunstein rescue helicopter “Christoph 14”. The volunteer fire department was also on site to secure the scene of the accident and regulate traffic. Paramedics and emergency doctors looked after the injured man before he was transported to the Traunstein Clinic. The Berchtesgaden police department took over the accident investigation.

Current traffic safety in Bavaria

The accident in Bischofswiesen falls into a context that is important for traffic safety in Bavaria. Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) recently addressed the public with positive news about road safety. In 2024, traffic deaths in Bavaria fell to 495, which is the lowest level in 70 years, excluding the years 2020 and 2021. In addition, the number of traffic accidents fell by 2.0 percent to 381,063.

However, Herrmann also pointed out the danger on country roads, where the majority of fatal accidents occur. In addition, an increase in the number of cyclists killed was recorded to 94, 42 of whom were traveling on Pedelecs. To improve safety for cyclists, Herrmann is planning nationwide measures, especially for children and seniors. A focus campaign on cycling safety is expected in May 2025.

Upcoming measures to improve security

It is planned to create 1,500 kilometers of new cycle paths in Bavaria by 2030. Police presence on bikes will also be increased, with over 800 officers patrolling to ensure security. Bernadette Felsch, chairwoman of the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC), expressed concern about the high number of cyclists killed and called for the expansion of a safe cycle path network and protective measures against large vehicles.

The Interior Minister also appealed to road users to follow traffic rules and reduce their speed. The increase in accidents under the influence of drugs, particularly cannabis, was also discussed. Herrmann criticized the partial legalization of cannabis in terms of road safety and pointed to distraction caused by cell phone use as another serious reason for accidents.

The events surrounding the motorcycle accident and the general trends in road safety underline the importance of preventative measures and education about road safety, which is treated as a priority issue in Bavaria.